Page 84 of The Friend Game

“Praise Jesus!” Another person shouts.

“Come into this place, Lord Jesus,” Etta enthuses, lifting her hands.

Similar cries erupt around the room one after the other. Twin spots of color appear on Lexie’s cheekbones, then she whirls around and hurries out of the room.

I turn back to look at Luke, but he’s busy saying something to George. Looking somber, George shakes his head, but Luke says something else and George gives a resigned nod, glancing my way with clear consternation on his face. My eyes are wide and unblinking as Luke steps back from his dad and addresses the crowd.

“I’m sure many of you have questions for me, but tonight was always meant to be about Miss Garza and her employment here at Grace Canyon. I have already made my statement on the subject and my opinion remains unchanged, but in light of recent events I’m afraid my presence would only serve as a distraction. With that said, I am going totake my leave. I will be available via email or during my usual office hours. Thank you.” He nods once then exits the room through its other door, not looking in my direction at all.

I sit there, stunned. My heart sputters in my chest like a car engine about to die. Wait—amI dying? I feel like I’m dying.

Luke left.

He left.

“Well,” George booms to the room, “this has been quite a dramatic meeting. You,” he catches sight of someone in the back, “you should be going now. You’ve caused enough trouble.” In a daze I turn to see that Marshall is still standing there. As are Jill and Brooke, both still scowling at him.

Marshall narrows his eyes. “You do realize it’s down to me that your school was invited to participate in the Desert Sunrise exhibit at The Chapman Gallery, don’t you?”

“What’s your point?” George asks.

“I suppose I’d expect a greater show of gratitude and appreciation,” Marshall says, puffing up his chest in importance.

“How’s this for appreciation?” Brooke snaps, shaking a finger at him. “We’d appreciate it if you’d leave.”

“Well,” Marshall crosses his arms across his chest, ignoring them both to seek me out, “I came here in hopes of talking to Hannah. She refused tospeak with me last time, but now that she knows I’m responsible for getting her students invited into the exhibit I assume she’ll be more open to a conversation. Right, Hannah?”

I blink across the room at him barely even comprehending what he’s saying.

Luke left.

He left.

“Hannah?” he repeats my name, a bite of impatience in his tone now.

I get to my feet.

Luke left.

He left.

So what am I still doing here?

“That’s what I thought,” Marshall says, shooting a smug look at my sisters. Brooke practically growls at him, meanwhile Jill steps toward me, concern etched across her features.

I focus on her, ignoring everyone else in the room. Jill will understand. And if anyone can represent me better than I can represent myself it’s her. “I have to go,” I say a bit numbly. I can’t believe I’m doing this. My job is at stake.

But some things, or rather, somepeopleare more important than jobs.

“Hannah,” Jill implores, “you can’t be serious. You’re going with him?”

“No,” my voice is ragged. My whole body feels weak, like it’s missing its other half.“I haveto–” I break off, looking desperately back at the door Luke walked through.

Understanding dawns on her features, and she nods, striding the rest of the way forward. “Of course. Go. I got this.” She reaches into her purse, her hand emerging holding a shiny red button that I can see reads:Hannah Garza: finding your way into your heart through art.

I don’t hesitate a second longer, racing toward the door Luke walked through.

“Hannah!” Marshall calls after me in shock, but I don’t turn back, I just push through the door and into the silence of the hallway. I have to find Luke.

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